Hi there. i’m maija.
Just in case you’re wondering, that J in my name is pronounced like a Y.
YOU are very welcome here.
From this point on, please consider me your long lost friend who is going to hold your hand throughout your photo experience.
i want you to see the beauty in who you are,
just as I see you.
You are beautiful.
My super power is finding those magical moments within your stories. I’ll capture that spark within you.
MY Story So Far…
First, I was an art teacher.
I moved to Chicago in 2003 from Minnesota (yes, you might still hear the accent creep through) to be a high school art teacher in Chicago Public Schools. My experiences as art teacher led me to get my Masters in School Counseling and my LPC.
I still love to teach, whenever I get the chance.
Travel and new adventures inspire me.
I’ll hike through the mud. I’ll swim to the depths of the ocean. I’ll camp in the rain. I’ll travel to new places. Adventure is what brings flavor to my everyday and makes me see the world with fresh eyes.
So far, my biggest adventure is raising my two school-aged boys alongside my husband. They teach me new things everyday.
I am a photographer
because it is the perfect combination of people, art, and adventure. It gives me joy to capture the spark within others. I love to show people just how amazing they are.
kind people (and their non-human friends) are welcome in my world.
Do you feel awkward with a camera pointing at you?
if so, you’re in the majority.
I am too.
My connection to that feeling of awkwardness is entirely why I work the way I do. You can expect me to create a comfortable space to be yourself. I want you to be you and I’ll also guide you.
When a photo session is RELAXED & PERSONALIZED, that’s when your spark is able to shine through. Every human has it. That spark is where your true beauty is found.
It’s all about teamwork.
Collaboration with others is critical for so much in life,
as well as in photography.
Meghan ~ Editor
Meghan, based out of Rochester, NY, is the reason you’ll receive your preview galleries so quickly! I first pull my initial favorites from your session, edit a few to match my vision, and then send them to Meghan. She’ll narrow down your galleries even more, watching for the best of the best while also matching some sample edits I have already done.
When not working on your photos, Meghan is a mom to two rambunctious boys and one crazy dog. She also teaches dance and loves a good book.
YOU!
Without you I wouldn’t be here. You bring the stories, the energy, and the personality to each photo we make together.
You are the reason each photo session is uniquely beautiful.
And no worries, I am here to guide you. My style is (un)posed because it’s a balance between a spontaneous lifestyle approach and more formal posed portraits.
Lake View Neighbors
I’m honored to be a part of the team at Lake View Neighbors, a monthly magazine by Best Version Media, where I’m both a resident and a contributing photographer.
now I want to learn
about you!
Send me a message or schedule a phone call below. (Zero-pressure for anything more because I know I’m not the photographer for everyone. It would be a disservice to you if I thought I was.)